WEARABLE DEVICES WITH SPORTS IMPLEMENTS

Abstract

Disclosed herein are improved wearable devices with sports implements (e.g., hockey stick, tennis racket, golf club, etc.). A wearable device can be worn on any suitable part of a user's body (e.g., foot, leg, arm, etc.) or, alternatively, over a device (e.g., shoe) already worn on the user. The wearable device can be permanently affixed to a sports implement or, alternatively, can be adaptable with a sports implement selectable from a set of interchangeable sports implements. Such interchangeability can be provided by a coupling mechanism that is configured to detachably couple the wearable device to the sports implement. The coupling mechanism can include a receiver base integrated to a body of the wearable device and a complementary accessory base of the sports implement.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/510,904, filed on May 25, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/496,482, filed on Oct. 20, 2016, the disclosures of both of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to wearable devices with sports implements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Boards or paddles affixable to footwear are generally known. Children enjoy playing games with such gear, especially those who like to jump and move around with their feet. However, these devices typically include board-mounting frames that are bulky and difficult to install to the shoe. It is thus desirable to provide improved sports implement-equipped wearable devices that are intuitive to configure and use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, it is an object of the present invention to provide embodiments of a new wearable device equipped with a sports implement (e.g., hockey stick, tennis racket, golf club, paddle, etc.). Wearable footwear devices can be constructed, for example, as a shoe, slipper, sock, boot, sneaker, skate-based footwear, roller-based footwear, or other sturdy device. Embodiments of the wearable device can be constructed to be worn directly on any suitable part of a user's body, such as the foot, leg, arm, hand, or wrist, or worn or mounted as an accessory or article over and/or around a device (e.g., shoe) already worn on the user.

In some embodiments, a wearable device can be permanently affixed to a sports implement such that the sports implement is not detachable from the wearable device. In alternate embodiments, a wearable device can be adaptable with a detachable sports implement. In such embodiments, the wearable device can, for example, be adaptable with a sports implement selectable from a set of interchangeable sports implements. The interchangeability can, for example, be provided by a coupling mechanism that is configured to interconnect the wearable device with the sports implement.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a wearable device can include a device body, at least one mechanism [e.g., foot and/or ankle band(s)] configured to secure the device body to a user, and a receiver base disposed on the device body. The receiver base can be disposed on a front and/or side portion of the device body, and configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of one of a set of interchangeable sports implements, such as a hockey stick.

Various embodiments of the wearable devices described herein can be constructed as a one size fits all device, suitable, for example, for children three years of age and up. Additionally, the wearable devices can be chiral or achiral (e.g., worn on either the left or right foot, leg, arm, hand, or wrist, as desired), and can be suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the disclosure.

The present invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and embodies features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts adapted to effect such steps, all as exemplified in the detailed disclosure hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is discussed in greater detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism including a receiver base and an accessory base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wearable device coupled to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-4C are various views of sports implements configured to detachably couple to a wearable device, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a wearable device including a receiver platform configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a footwear coupled to a sports implement via the wearable device shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is perspective view of a bottom side of the wearable device shown in FIG. 7A;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of a wearable device coupled to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism, illustrating the sports implement in different orientations and an ankle band of the wearable device in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a wearable device coupled to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the sports implement shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a top view of a wearable device including a backing, and a receiver base configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a view of a bottom side of the wearable device shown in FIG. 10A;

FIGS. 10C and 10D are various views of an alternate backing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10E and 10F are top views of the wearable device shown in FIG. 10A coupled to the backing shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, and illustrating a band or strap of the wearable device in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10G and 10H are various views of an alternate backing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10J is a perspective view of the wearable device shown in FIG. 10A coupled to the backing shown in FIGS. 10G and 10H;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a wearable device having an upper, topline portion including a zipper mechanism at its rear side, and a sole area coupled to a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a view of a bottom side of the wearable device shown in FIG. 11A;

FIGS. 11C and 11D are partial views of longer and shorter versions of an upper, topline portion of a wearable device, such as the wearable device shown in FIG. 11A, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11E is a perspective view of pull-on type wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11F is a perspective view of a wearable device having an upper, topline portion including a zipper mechanism at its front side, and a sole area coupled to a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11G is a side view of a wearable device coupled to a sports implement, and including a strap or band mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are top views of a wearable device including a receiver base configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement, illustrating bands of the wearable device in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12C is a side view of the wearable device of FIGS. 12A and 12B;

FIG. 12D is a view of a bottom side of the wearable device of FIGS. 12A and 12B;

FIGS. 13A-13D are various views of a wearable device including a receiver base configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement, and one or more wheels disposed on the underside of the wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13E is a perspective view of a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13F. is a perspective view of the wearable device shown in FIGS. 13A-13D detachably coupled to the sports implement shown in FIG. 13E, illustrating the direction in which the one of more wheels of the wearable device can be installed;

FIG. 13G are front views of the wearable device shown in FIGS. 13A-13D, illustrating the sports implement shown in FIG. 13E in coupled and uncoupled positions;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a wearable device similar to the wearable device shown in FIGS. 13A-13D, but with one or more receiver bases disposed on a side portion of the wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15A is a top view of a pair of wearable devices each including a receiver base configured to detachably couple to a sports implement;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a bottom side of one of the wearable devices shown in FIG. 15A, illustrating a bearing assembly disposed on the bottom underside of the wearable device;

FIGS. 15C and 15D are various views of a ball bearing unit of the bearing assembly shown in FIG. 15B;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a bottom side of a wearable device including a receiver base configured to detachably couple to a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 17-20 are depictions of exemplary sports for which various wearable device embodiments of the present invention can be adapted; and

FIGS. 21-25B are various views of alternate wearable devices configured with a sports implement, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As variously illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures, a wearable device, according to embodiments of the present invention, can be adapted with a sports implement (e.g., a hockey stick, a golf club, a tennis racket, or the like).

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3D, and 4A-4C, a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear, can be adapted with a sports implement via a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism can include a receiver base and an accessory base. The receiver base can be configured to detachably receive the accessory base, and can be integrated with, or otherwise coupled to, the footwear, preferably at an upper surface of a front, toe box area or forepart of the footwear (see, e.g., toe box area 152 of footwear 150 in FIG. 2). The accessory base can be integrated with (e.g., composed as part of), or otherwise coupled to, an end portion of a sports implement. FIGS. 3A-3C, for example, show one or more demarcation lines representative of the coupling of an accessory base to respective end portions 171b, 172b, and 173b of a hockey stick 171, a tennis racket 172 (which can be vertically oriented, i.e., FIG. 3B; or horizontally oriented to allow “volley-ing”, i.e., FIG. 3C), and a golf club 173. FIG. 3D shows a golf club 173 having an end portion 173b coupled to an accessory base. Other variations of sports implements in which an accessory base can be included, or to which an accessory based can be coupled, are shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.

The accessory base and the receiver base can each be composed of any suitable material (e.g., metal, plastic, rubber, or the like), and can be complementary components—e.g., the accessory base can be a male component and the receiver base can be a female component. It should be appreciated, however, that these components can be reversed, such that the accessory base is a female component and the receiver base is a male component.

As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary receiver base 110 can have an opening 110n defined to receive a complementary accessory base 120 in the direction of the arrows labeled Receiver base 110 can also include a channel 110c configured to guide a release button 122 of accessory base 120 through receiver base 110, and a hole 110h defined to accommodate and couple to release button 122 when the accessory base is received. Release button 122 can be implemented as a press-and-release mechanism via one or more springs or elastic elements such that (at least partial) depression of release button 122 into the body of accessory base 120 can allow the accessory base to be inserted into opening 110n and channel 110c. When accessory base 120 is fully inserted, release button 122 can retract (“pop up”) to its natural, extended state, into hole 110h. This provides an insert-and-lock feature that prevents receiver base 110 and accessory base 120 from separating during use, but that is quickly releasable via depression of release button 122.

The coupling mechanism for various embodiments of the wearable device and sports implement can have alternate constructions.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, coupling mechanisms 200 and 300 can each include a receiver base similar to receiver base 110, and an accessory base similar to accessory base 120, but with a different construction, for example, of the locking mechanism which secures the two components together.

As shown in FIG. 5, receiver base 210 can include slots 212 configured to accommodate and couple to bendable (or flexible) clips 222 of a release mechanism when the accessory base is fully inserted into the receiver base. The release mechanism can be quickly released by simultaneously pressing the sides of the two clips 222 towards one another.

As shown in FIG. 6, receiver base 310 can include two plates 310p that define a slot 310s therebetween for receiving accessory base 320. Each plate 310p can include a notch or groove 310g configured to accommodate a portion of a retractable bar 320b of accessory base 320. Bar 320b can be coupled to one or more springs 320s or other elastic elements, and can be disposed in an opening 320n in accessory base 320 sized to allow the bar to retract against the spring when pressed. Each plate 310p can also include a hole 310h defined therein that can align with a hole 320h of accessory base 320 when the accessory base is received. Accessory base 320 can be secured to receiver base 310 by first aligning portions of bar 320b with grooves 310g, and inserting accessory base 320 into slot 310s, during which bar 320b enters and rests against grooves 310g. This can prevent accessory base 320 from rotating about receiver base 310. Continued insertion of accessory base 320 into slot 310s can cause the bar to retract in opening 320n, and holes 310h to align with hole 320h. A pin 314 can then be inserted through these holes to secure accessory base 320 to receiver base 310.

It should be appreciated that other suitable coupling mechanisms can be employed for the wearable devices described herein, including, for example, those based on turnkey coupling, cylindrical insert-and-lock coupling, magnetic coupling, screw-on coupling, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, a wearable device 750 (a “sport foot-band”) can include a foot band 701 integrated with a receiver platform 709. Receiver platform 709 can be permanently affixed to (e.g., molded onto) foot band 701, and can support a receiver base 710 similar to receiver base 110. An accessory base 720 (which can be similar to accessory base 120) can be adapted to be received in and to interconnect with receiver base 710. The sport foot-band can be positioned about a toe box area of a user's foot, or a toe box area of a footwear (e.g., a sneaker, shoe, or the like) such that at least a portion of the inner surface of foot band 701 contacts the sole of the footwear (see, e.g., FIG. 7B). Foot band 701 can be constructed of any type of material or fabric, preferably a strong, durable, material (e.g., rubber or the like) suitable for skid and/or non-skid (or anti-skid) surfaces and that enables the foot band to remain wrapped about the footwear during use.

According to various embodiments, a “sport wrist-band,” similar to the sport foot-band, can be provided to be worn on a user's arm or wrist.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear 850, can be coupled to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism 800 (e.g., which can be the same as or similar to coupling mechanism 300 described above with respect to FIG. 6) that allows the sports implement to occupy multiple positions. Coupling mechanism 800 can include a receiver base 810 configured to detachably receive an accessory base 820 of a sports implement 870. Receiver base 810 can be pivotably integrated to a top portion of footwear 850, and rotatable to allow sports implement 870 to occupy upright (e.g., rest) and locked (e.g., play) positions. Receiver base 810 can be locked in play position via any suitable mechanism, such as, for example, a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like.

Footwear 850 can have a boot-like configuration, and can be composed of any suitable material. Footwear 850 can include a front sole 850s, a rear sole 850r, one or more ankle bands 850a, and one or more foot bands 850f for securing the footwear to a user's lower calf area and foot. Footwear 850 can also include corresponding ears 850e as well as tunnels 850t in front sole 850s through which foot bands 850f can pass. Ankle bands 850a and foot bands 850f can employ any suitable mechanism for securing the footwear to a user, such as, for example, a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like. Additionally, the bands can be configured to wrap over the footwear in either direction—e.g., from left to right or from right to left. Footwear 850 can also include a handle 850h at an upper rear portion, which can be used for transporting, or otherwise handling, the footwear (e.g., via one or more fingers of a user).

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict one version of footwear 850 having two ankle bands 850a. It should be appreciated, however, that other versions of the footwear can have any other suitable number of ankle bands, such as a single band, three bands, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear 950, can resemble a shoe, but lack sole and heel portions. Footwear 950 can be worn directly on a user's foot or worn or mounted as an accessory over a shoe (or the like), and can be secured to a user's lower calf area and foot/shoe via one or more ankle and foot bands 950a and 950f similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B. In various embodiments, footwear 950 can be achiral, and thus can be worn either on the right or left foot/shoe, depending on the user's preference—e.g., righty or lefty striker. In some embodiments, a sports implement 970 can be built into footwear 950 (i.e., as a stationary component, or in other words, as a component that is permanently affixed to footwear 950 and undetachable therefrom), particularly at the toe box area of footwear 950. In other embodiments, sports implement 970 can detachably couple to footwear 950. In certain embodiments, sports implement 970 can be coupled to footwear 950 via an opening 970n (which can receive one or more of foot bands 950f) and held to the toe box area of footwear 950 when the foot band is fastened and/or tightened. Sports implement 970 can also include a curved portion 970c shaped and sized to accommodate a corresponding curved portion at the toe box area of footwear 950.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10J, a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear 1050, can include a receiver base 1010 configured to detachably receive an accessory base of a sports implement. Footwear 1050 can be composed of any suitable material, and can include a sole 1050s, one or more foot bands 1050f, and corresponding ears 1050e similar to those described above with respect to other embodiments. Preferably, foot bands 1050f can pass through ears 1050e, and couple to one another via any suitable mechanism, such as a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like. For example, one of the foot bands can be stationary, whereas the other can be disposed through the one or more ears 1050e to interconnect with the stationary band. Footwear 1050 can also include a slit 1050i defined to allow upper flap portions of the footwear to move toward one another when foot bands 1050f are coupled to one another so as to provide a tighter fit on a user's foot.

Footwear 1050 can include a backing 1050b that additionally, or alternatively, secures the footwear to a user's foot. In some embodiments, the backing can be an elastic backing 1050b′ configured to grip onto the ankle area of the user when worn, so as to prevent the footwear from coming off during use. In these embodiments, backing 1050b′ can include an elongated curve 1050c′ that provides a comfortable fit at the back of the ankle area. In other embodiments, the backing can be a buckle-type backing 1050b″ that may be adjustable in length so as to suit the user's foot size. It should be appreciated that other types of backings, such as a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like, can alternatively be used with footwear 1050. In any case, the backing can be coupled, at its ends (e.g., ends 1050d′ or 1050d″), to the toe box area of footwear 1050 in any suitable manner (e.g., sewn, stitched, glued, zippered, or the like).

Referring to FIGS. 11A-11G, a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear 1150, can include an upper, topline portion 1150u and a sole area 1150s. Upper portion can be composed of any suitable material that is flexible yet comfortable to a user (e.g., Styrofoam or the like). Sole area 1150s can be composed of material different from that of upper portion, preferably of suitable non-skid (or anti-skid) material. In some embodiments, footwear 1150 can be integrated with a toe box area 1152 (e.g., as a single component), and the upper, topline portion and the toe box area can, for example, be composed of a common or uniform, flexible material. In other embodiments, footwear 1150 can detachably couple to toe box area 1152 (e.g., via a zipper or other like mechanism). In either case, footwear 1150 can also include a sports implement either permanently affixed (e.g., molded) thereto, or coupled thereto, such as via a coupling mechanism similar to those described above with respect to other embodiments (or other suitable coupling mechanism). It should thus be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, different sports implements can be adapted to footwear 1150 by either interchanging a different toe box area to which an alternate sports implement is affixed, or by interchanging another sports implement via a coupling mechanism.

Footwear 1150 can be provided in various sizes (see, e.g., FIGS. 11C and 11D for partial views of longer and shorter versions of the footwear), and can be configured to secure to a user's foot in any suitable manner. Footwear 1150 can be a pull-on type that grips tightly to a user's foot/lower calf area when worn, without the need for any additional securing mechanisms (e.g., FIG. 11E). Alternatively, footwear 1150 can include a zipper mechanism 1150z disposed at the front or the rear of the footwear (e.g., FIGS. 11A and 11F). In either case, footwear can be additionally secured to a user's foot via one or more strap or band mechanisms (e.g., a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like). See, e.g., FIG. 11G.

Referring to FIGS. 12A-12D, a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear 1250, can be similar to footwear 950 and/or 1050 in that it can be worn directly on a user's foot or worn or mounted as an accessory over a shoe (or the like), either on the right or left foot/shoe depending on the user's preference. Footwear 1250 can include an outer, bottom sole 1250s, an inner sole 1250i onto which a user's foot (e.g., toe and ball section) or shoe can rest, and a side panel 1250p. Inner sole 1250i can be composed of any suitable material that is comfortable to a user (e.g., Styrofoam or the like). Outer sole 1250s can be composed of material different from that of inner sole 1250i, preferably of suitable non-skid (or anti-skid) material. Side panel 1250p can also be composed of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, rubber, or the like). Outer sole 1250s and side panel 1250p can be joined, or otherwise integrated as a uniform piece, with the upper portion of footwear 1250 at a seam 1250m.

Footwear 1250 can include a receiver base 1210 similar to one or more of the other receiver bases described above, and disposed at a toe box area 1252 of the footwear. Toe box area 1252 can be integrated (e.g., composed as a single mold or piece) with a tongue 1250t. Tongue 1250t can, for example, be lifted for insertion of a user's foot into footwear 1250, and rest on the toe box and bridge area of the foot. Footwear 1250 can also include foot bands 1250f that can be similar to one or more of the foot bands described above with respect to other embodiments. In various embodiments, foot bands 1250f can be wrapped about user's foot in the directions labeled ‘w’ to secure the footwear thereto—for example, the left foot band can fold over and at least partially cover a portion of tongue 1250t, and the right foot band can then be folded over the left foot band and coupled thereto. Foot bands 1250f can meet at the bridge of tongue 1250t when secured.

Referring to FIG. 13A, a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear 1350 (e.g., in the form of a boot), can be similar to one or more of the footwear embodiments described above. In an exemplary embodiment, footwear 1350 can be provided as a pair. FIG. 13B is a front view of a right version of footwear 1350. FIGS. 13C and 13D are side views of left and right versions of footwear 1350.

Footwear 1350 can include a receiver base integrated with, or otherwise coupled to, a toe box area of footwear 1350, and configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement. Any of the receiver bases, accessory bases, and sports implements described above can be employed in footwear 1350. In various embodiments, footwear 1350 can be configured to detachably couple to a sports implement 1370. See, e.g., FIGS. 13C, 13E, and 13G.

In certain embodiments, footwear 1350 can include a sole. Alternatively, footwear 1350 can lack a sole. In either case, footwear 1350 preferably includes a wheel assembly 1390 having one or more wheels 1390w disposed in a wheel compartment 1388 defined in an underside of the footwear. Any suitable number of wheels can be included (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, etc.) so long as the assembly can allow a user to maneuver the device (e.g., such as by rolling or skating around) when worn. Wheel compartment 1388 can include one or more concave-like depressions or recesses configured to store the wheels, and one or more components configured to removably couple to the wheels. In preferred embodiments, wheel compartment 1388 can include one or more lock-and-release mechanisms that allow easy installation and removal of the wheels. See FIGS. 13D and 13F.

In some embodiments, footwear 1350 can be provided such that only one of the pair of footwear devices includes a wheel assembly. For example, if a user is a lefty and prefers to strike (or contact) a sports object (e.g., ball, puck, etc.) with the sports implement using the left foot, only the right footwear device may include a wheel assembly. In this way, the “striker” footwear device can function as a typical footwear, allowing for movement without use of wheels, while the other, right footwear device can be maneuvered as desired via the wheels. The scenario can be reversed for a righty, such that the right foot can be the “striker” foot, and the left footwear device can maneuvered via the wheels. Alternatively, the “striker” footwear device can be equipped with wheels, whereas the other device of the pair may not. In certain embodiments, each version (left and right) of footwear 1350 can include a wheel compartment, and a single set of detachable wheels can be provided for the pair, allowing the wheels to be detachably coupled to the left or right footwear devices, depending on the user's preference.

In some embodiments, the wheel assembly can be configured to provide a deceleration mode that allows the user to slow down during play.

As shown in FIG. 13C, sports implement 1370 can include a curved end so as to avoid contact with the floor or ground during play. This can be the case regardless of whether footwear 1350 includes a wheel assembly.

In embodiments of footwear 1350 that include a sole portion, the front portion thereof can be thicker (“raised”), height-wise, which can help balance the footwear and the user when wheels are installed. The thickness of the front sole portion can be provided via one or more overlays of durable material (e.g., rubber or the like). The thicker front sole portion can also enhance comfort of the footwear when the wheels are removed.

Footwear 1350 can include a plurality of features configured to secure the footwear to a user's foot/leg, such as, for example, one or more of Velcro-based banding, zipper(s), button(s), and lace(s). Footwear 1350 preferably includes one or more of a protective tongue 1350t, ankle padding support(s) 1350a, and heel cap 1350c. Footwear 1350 can also feature a logo area 1350g. See, e.g., FIG. 13A.

As shown in FIG. 13E, sports implement 1370 can include, as an integrated unit, an accessory base 1320 and left and right bumper panels 1370b. The bumper panels can be shaped and sized to assist with retrieval of a sports object (e.g., puck, ball, or the like), and can rest on one or more supporting surfaces of footwear 1350 when sports implement 1370 is coupled to the footwear. Sports implement 1370 preferably includes one or more illuminating units (e.g., lights, such as LEDs or the like) that output light, for example, upon contact of the sports implement with a sports object. The illuminating unit(s) can be disposed on any suitable portion of the sports implement, such as, for example, on the front or sides thereof, so long as the unit(s) are visible during use of the sports implement. The sports implement can include a power source (e.g., one or more batteries), an electrical circuit or controller coupled to the power source, and one or more sensors (e.g., shock sensors or the like) coupled to the electrical circuit or controller that detect contact and/or shocks directed at the implement. The electrical circuit or controller can control lighting of the one or more illuminating units based on such detected contact and/or shocks.

It should be appreciated that illuminating units can be included in any of the sports implement embodiments described herein. For example, any of the sports implement embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A-4C can include one or more illuminating units and associated electrical/electronic components.

Although the various drawing figures illustrate the wheel assembly being disposed proximate a bottom rear portion of footwear 1350, it should be appreciated that the wheel assembly can alternatively be disposed proximate the bottom center portion or the bottom front portion of the footwear. The additional layering of the sole portion described above can be variably distributed to provide balance and support as well as user comfort.

Referring to FIG. 14, a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear 1450, can be similar to one or more of the footwear embodiments described above. For example, footwear 1450 can be similar to footwear 1350. Footwear 1450 can include one or more receiver bases configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implements. Any of the receiver bases, accessory bases, and sports implements described above can be employed in footwear 1450. For example, footwear 1450 can include receiver base 110 configured to detachably couple to accessory base 120 of a sports implement, such as sports implements 171 or 172. As shown in FIG. 14, the receiver base can be integrated with, or otherwise coupled to, one or both sides of a toe box area of the footwear. When constructed to include two receiver bases, for example, users can advantageously choose the side in which to position the sports implement for play.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear 1550, can be similar to one or more of the footwear embodiments described above. For example, footwear 1550 can be similar to footwear 1350, but configured as a sneaker rather than a boot. As with certain embodiments of footwear 1350, various embodiments of footwear 1550 can be provided as a pair.

Footwear 1550 can include a sole. Alternatively, footwear 1550 can lack a sole. In either case, footwear 1550 preferably includes a ball bearing assembly 1590 having one or more ball bearing units 1590b disposed in a ball bearing compartment 1588 defined in the underside of the footwear. The ball bearing units can be stud mounted ball transfer units. Any suitable number of ball bearings units can be included (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, etc.) so long as the assembly can allow a user to maneuver the device (e.g., such as by rolling or skating around) when worn.

Ball bearing compartment 1588 can be configured as a recess for storing the ball bearing units. In some embodiments, the ball bearing units can be removable. For example, ball bearing compartment 1588 can include one or more locks and/or release mechanisms that allow easy installation and removal of the ball bearing units. In preferred embodiments, the ball bearing units can include fasteners 1590f (e.g., screws or the like) configured to couple to corresponding fastener receivers of footwear 1550. FIGS. 15C and 15D are various views of ball bearing unit 1590b. As shown in FIG. 15D, ball bearing unit 1590b can include a bearing housing 1590h configured to store a larger, central ball bearing 1592 disposed within and on smaller, peripheral ball bearings 1594. Bearing housing 1590h and ball bearings 1592 and 1594 can each be composed of any suitable material. In preferred embodiments, each of these components is at least partially composed of carbon steel, which can help reduce friction. When footwear 1550 is worn, the user can, e.g., lift the user's leg/ankle and pivot on the ball of the user's foot for smooth control and momentum of the footwear, which can allow for easy retrieval of a sports object (e.g., ball, puck, etc.). Ball bearings 1594, for example, can be configured to tolerate impact, allowing for the footwear to move or spin about smoothly when worn.

Although the various drawing figures illustrate the ball bearing assembly being disposed proximate a bottom front portion of footwear 1550, it should be appreciated that the ball bearing assembly can alternatively be disposed proximate the bottom center portion or the bottom rear portion of the footwear.

Similar to footwear 1350, various embodiments of footwear 1550 can be provided to accommodate varying user preferences (e.g., both devices of the pair can include ball bearing assemblies, only the striker device can include the ball bearing assembly, only the non-striker device can include the ball bearing assembly, etc.).

Also, similar to footwear 1350, certain embodiments of footwear 1550 can be configured with a thicker (“raised”) rear sole portion, which can help balance the footwear and user when ball bearing units are installed. In various embodiments, additional layering of the sole portion can be variably distributed to provide balance and support as well as user comfort.

Referring to FIG. 16, a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear 1650 can be similar to one or more of the footwear embodiments described above. For example, footwear 1650 can be similar to footwear 1550, but can lack a ball bearing assembly. In various embodiments, footwear 1650 can include a thick heel, ankle, and sole area, which can provide comfort and proportional balance when a sports implement is installed. As with various wearable device embodiments described above, footwear 1650 can include a bottom sole composed of suitable non-skid (or anti-skid) material (e.g., composed of rubber or the like). The to bottom sole of footwear 1650 can be thick (“raised”), height-wise, which can further enhance user balance. In some embodiments, the upper front sole area can be thicker than the remainder of the sole, so as to ensure that the sports implement makes little or no contact with the floor or ground during play.

It should be appreciated that the wheel and bearing assemblies described with respect to footwear 1350 and 1550 can be employed in any other wearable device embodiment.

For example, the bearing assembly can alternatively be provided in footwear 1350 (in lieu of the wheel assembly), and the wheel assembly can alternatively be provided in footwear 1550 (in lieu of the bearing assembly). Furthermore, any roller-based or skate-based mechanism similar to wheels and bearings can be employed in any of the above-described wearable device embodiments.

It should also be appreciated that any of the wearable devices described herein can be constructed as a one-size-fits all device, suitable, for example, for children three years of age and up or. Any of the wearable device embodiments described herein can alternatively be provided in whole sizes. Additionally, any of the above-described wearable devices can be chiral or achiral (e.g., worn on either the left or right foot, leg, arm, hand, or wrist, as desired). Furthermore, any of the wearable devices can be provided in pairs (e.g., a pair of boots, sneakers, shoes, etc.).

It should further be appreciated that the wearable device embodiments described herein can be used to play any suitable sport that requires a sports implement, including, but not limited to golf, tennis, racquetball, hockey, badminton, ping pong, and baseball (see, e.g., FIGS. 17-20). Thus any sports implement can be adapted to any of the wearable device embodiments described herein.

It should further still be appreciated that a variety of wearable device designs can be provided that employ any of the above-described coupling mechanism embodiments (see, e.g., FIGS. 21-24B).

It should additionally be appreciated that a sports implement need not be detachable from a wearable device. That is, any of the wearable device embodiments described herein can be permanently affixed to a sports implement (e.g., as a single, integrated unit), rather than be adapted to detachably couple to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism.

Referring to FIGS. 25A and 25B, a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear 2550, can resemble a shoe, but lack sole and heel portions (e.g., similar to footwear 950). Footwear 2550 can be worn directly on a user's foot or worn or mounted as an accessory (e.g., cuff) over a shoe (or the like) via one or more foot bands or straps 2550a (see, e.g., dotted image 2550z). Bands or straps 2550a can be adjustable and tightened as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B. In some embodiments, bands or straps 2550a can be the same as or similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9A. For example, the bands or straps can be secured via a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like. In various embodiments, footwear 2550 can be achiral, and thus can be worn either on the right or left foot/shoe, depending on the user's preference—e.g., righty or lefty striker. In some embodiments, a sports implement 2570 can be built into footwear 2550 (i.e., as a stationary component, or in other words, as a component that is permanently affixed to footwear 2550 and undetachable therefrom), particularly at the toe box area or forepart of footwear 2550. In other embodiments, sports implement 2570 can detachably couple to footwear 2550.

As described above, various sports implement embodiments can include one or more illuminating units that output light upon contact with an object (e.g., ball, puck, etc.). It should be appreciated that similar illuminating units can additionally, or alternatively, be incorporated, for example, in the wearable device itself, the receiver base, or the accessory base.

Furthermore, one or more magnetic elements can be incorporated into any of the wearable device, sports implement, and sports object embodiments described herein. For example, one or more magnetic elements (e.g., composed of iron, nickel, magnetite, or the like) can be incorporated (e.g., embedded) in or on the wearable device (e.g., in or on the device body of the footwear and/or the associated sports implement), and one or more complementary attractive magnetic elements can be similarly incorporated in or on one or more sports objects, such as a ball, puck, etc. The complementary nature of these magnetic elements can advantageously allow for easy “catch” and/or “retrieval” of the sports object during use or play. In various embodiments, the attractive force(s) between the magnetic elements in the footwear/sports implement and the magnetic elements in the sports object can be predefined so as to allow for “catch” and/or “retrieval” of the sports object without making it difficult for the user to release and/or propel the sports object during use or play.

It should be appreciated that other suitable elements can be used in addition to, or in lieu of, magnetic ones. For example, the footwear/sports implement can include one or more magnetic elements and the sports object can include one or more ferromagnetic elements, and vice versa. The ferromagnetic elements can become attracted to the magnetic elements when the sports object is located proximate to the footwear/sports implement, allowing for easy “catch” and/or “retrieval” of the sports object during use or play.

Accordingly, novel wearable devices (e.g., footwear) can be adapted with any of a set of interchangeable sports implements, for example, by means of one or more coupling mechanisms configured to interconnect the two.

It is to be appreciated that any dimensions, expressed or implied, in the drawings are disclosed for exemplary purposes, and thus some embodiments within the scope of the drawings and this disclosure can exhibit such exemplary dimensions and some may not. While the drawings are not necessarily made to scale, various embodiments within the scope of the drawings and this disclosure can be made with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings.

It will thus be seen that the aspects, features and advantages made apparent from the foregoing are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained herein shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A wearable device adaptable with a sports implement selectable from a set of interchangeable sports implements, the wearable device comprising:

a device body;

at least one mechanism configured to secure the device body to a user; and

a receiver base disposed on the device body, the receiver base being configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of the sports implement.

2. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the wearable device is a footwear.

3. The wearable device of claim 2, wherein the receiver base is disposed on an upper surface of a front toe box portion of the footwear.

4. The wearable device of claim 2, wherein the at least one mechanism includes at least one ankle band.

5. The wearable device of claim 2, wherein the at least one mechanism includes at least one foot band.

6. The wearable device of claim 2, wherein the footwear is a shoe, a slipper, a sock, a boot, a sneaker, a skate-based footwear, or a roller-based footwear.

7. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the receiver base and the accessory base are complementary components.

8. The wearable device of claim 7, wherein the receiver base is a male component and the accessory base is a female component.

9. The wearable device of claim 7, wherein the receiver base is a female component and the accessory base is a male component.

10. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the receiver base is detachably coupled to the accessory base via one of a snap-and-lock mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, and a Velcro-based mechanism.

11. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the receiver base is disposed on a front portion of the device body.

12. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the receiver base is disposed on a side portion of the device body.

13. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the sports implement is adapted for at least one of the following activities: golf, tennis, racquetball, hockey, badminton, ping pong, and baseball.

14. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the wearable device is chiral.

15. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the wearable device is achiral.

16. A footwear adaptable with a sports implement selectable from a set of interchangeable sports implements, the footwear comprising:

a body;

at least one ankle band configured to secure the body to a user's ankle;

at least one foot band configured to secure the body to a toe box portion of the user's foot; and

a receiver base disposed on the body, and configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of the sports implement.

17. A footwear article comprising:

a device body mountable to a user's foot or shoe;

at least one mechanism configured to secure the device body to the user's foot or shoe; and

a sports implement coupled to the device body.

18. The footwear article of claim 17, wherein the sports implement is permanently affixed to the device body.

19. The footwear article of claim 17, wherein the sports implement is detachable from the device body.